If a deal can be done now it could save City splashing out millions in the summer and send a signal to the rest of the squad that City mean business.

Ashton hinted late last year that conversations were happening: "who says we're not?" he replied to Geoff Twentyman on BBC Radio Bristol when discussing if the club are trying to secure the likes of Reid, Jamie Paterson and Josh Brownhill to new terms.

The Robins CEO said during the Sound of the City programme:

"We're continually in discussions [with those three players]... and there's a timing element to this and there's a lot of things that go on behind the scenes," said Ashton.

He went on to say that the 'timing is key' and made reference to football agents.

Bobby Reid

Brownhill, Frank Fielding and Aden Flint have put pen to paper and that should help to get Reid to do likewise.

Late last year I spoke to a couple of sources close to the players myself and while nothing was divulged directly relevant, there was an interesting line that players from the local area should be paid the going rate, ie, the same as players from elsewhere.

Similarly Lee Johnson said on Monday evening that the club needs to pay the going rate if it's to keep its best players.

Whether any hold up is down to wishing to see how things pan out or a negotiation over some aspect, length or salary, would be normal and might be an explanation for a delay on an announcement.

It could be that Reid wishes to see if Premier League interest solidifies. Would you blame him for wanting to play at the highest level and even possibly put himself in the shop window for England recognition?

With just one year on his deal the ball is in the Bristolian's court: he can likely decide his fate if there is interest from elsewhere.

Steve Lansdown and Mark Ashton must decide on their very best offer and get Reid signed up. I have heard rumours that the club's very best offer may not be enough but we've yet to find out if this is true.

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It may cost a lot to keep him but it would also cost a heck of a lot to replace him.

There's no doubting that Bobby Reid is Bristol City through and through.

Hopefully seeing how Abraham stalled at Swansea, the club putting their money where their mouth is and the upward progression of the Robins will be enough to convince Bobby that he's best served leading next year's charge to the Premier League in BS3.

What a coup that would be if Lansdown and Ashton can pull that one off, likely to be the signing of the summer at Ashton Gate.